Here's a walk in Manhattan Beach that's all about the grass instead of the sand

Everyone goes to Manhattan Beach to swim, surf or walk on the Strand to look at the ocean. But here's a long, grassy walk you can do without getting sand in your shoes.

1. Begin near Herondo Street and Valley Drive, at the southernmost point of Veterans Parkway. This wide, 3.5-mile-long green belt runs from Hermosa Beach to Manhattan Beach without a break. Start under pine tree shade, and head north.

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The Veterans Parkway is a wide, 3.5-mile-long green belt that runs from Hermosa Beach to Manhattan Beach without a break. It starts under a pine tree and ends at the Manhattan Village shopping mall. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

2. One of the pleasures of this walk is the easy access to refreshments. There's a Jamba Juice and a Starbucks near the intersection with Pier Avenue.

The Jamba Juice near the intersection of Valley Drive and Pier Avenue is close to the Veterans Parkway. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

3. Inside Valley Park, at the corner of Gould Avenue, is a shady spot with picnic tables. It's also the closest point on this walk to the beach, if you want a quick trip to the sand.

Matt Tonne was shooting hoops at Valley Park, which is located directly off the Veterans Parkway in Hermosa Beach. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

4. Turn left at Manhattan Beach Boulevard to visit the pier or to visit Peet's, Lemonade or any one of a dozen more spots to eat and drink. Nearby Uncle Bill's Pancake House is a classic breakfast joint.

Deborah Bradley picked up some soup and lemonade at Lemonade in Manhattan Beach. It's among many places you can stop for a bite on this walk. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles Times)

5. At its terminus, the Veterans Parkway slides under the Sepulveda Boulevard overpass and spills out into a parking lot behind the Manhattan Village shopping mall. You can hit the Macy's, Kiehl's or Fry's here, or grab a snack at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf or California Pizza Kitchen.

The Veterans Parkway slides under the Sepulveda Boulevard overpass and spills out into a parking lot behind the Manhattan Village shopping mall. (Glenn Koenig/ Los Angeles Times / Los Angeles Times)

6. Make the return journey on foot for a double-walk, or take bus 232 down Sepulveda to Herondo, a block from your starting point.

Fleming is the author of "Secret Stairs: A Walking Guide to the Historic Staircases of Los Angeles" and "Secret Walks: A Walking Guide to the Hidden Trails of Los Angeles."